by H.E. Mr. Hoshiyama Takashi

A photo exhibition displaying over 150 photos taken by Japanese and Batswana of their stays in their respective host countries was opened on the 26rh of October 2021 at the Thapong Visual Arts Centre to celebrate the 55^th Anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Botswana and Japan.

The Photo exhibition is one of the many events that the Embassy of Japan in Gaborone has been hosting throughout the year to commemorate the 55^th Anniversary.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1966, the same year the British Protectorate of Bechuanaland gained Independence as the Republic of Botswana. During the celebration of Independence that year, on the 30^th September, Japan informed Botswana that Japan recognized Botswana as an independent state through a letter from the then Japanese Prime Minister, SATO Eisaku to His Excellency Sir Seretse Khama.

In 1997, the Embassy of Botswana in Japan was established and then the Embassy of Japan in Botswana here started in 2008 and the two countries developed and nurtured a strong, steady, cooperative, and trusting relations over the years.

Since the 1980s, we had many high level visits from Botswana to Japan. In fact, four Presidents including H.E. Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi visited Japan

Other than Presidents and Ministers, not a few Batswana have contributed to Japan-Botswana relations. If name a few, we are honoured to have the presence of several awardees of the distinction of the Order of the Rising Sun, namely Ambassador Oteng Tebape, Dr. Gaositwe Chiepe, His Honour Dr. Ponatshego Kedikilwe, Ambassador Oscar Motswagae, Mr. Motsereganye Sekgopo, and Mr. Tiyapo Hudson Ngwisanyi. Let me take this opportunity to thank you again for your contribution over the years.

From the Japanese side, several key figures have visited Botswana as well

The exchange of visits is not limited to dignitaries. As early as 1977, technical training programmes were offered to Botswana and, as of 2019, over 1,000 Batswana have received training in Japan. In 1992, five Japan Overseas Volunteers (JOCVs) were sent to Botswana as the first JOCV mission here. Since then over 400 JOCVs were dispatched to Botswana. From the academic sphere, in 2006, the first Motswana student was awarded a Japanese Government scholarship to study at a Japanese University and, as of now, over 40 Batswana have received Japanese Government scholarships.

The cooperative relation does not stop here. Since Botswana’s Independence, Japan has been assisting Botswana through Japanese Yen loans, grant assistance and technical cooperation to develop indispensable economic and social infrastructure in Botswana, to improve the environment for industrial diversification,　and to improve human capacity.

The first-ever grant provided to Botswana was in 1981, where the Ministry of Education was supplied with laboratory equipment for schools. The most recent grant was signed this year, 2021 through which agricultural machineries and materials will be provided. The first Yen loan project was in 1986 for the Morupule Power Station Expansion and the last and 5^th Yen loan project was extended towards the construction of the Kazungula bridge which officially opened this year.

On the other hand, we have received various assistance and support from Botswana, in bilateral, regional and international sphere. As we share the fundamental values of democracy and the rule of law, both countries have jointly promoted these principles in the international sphere.

Moreover, we will never forget ten years ago in 2011, when the Government of Botswana and its people gave Japan a generous donation of one million Pula, at a time when Japan suffered the devastation from massive earthquake and tsunami that claimed thousands of lives.

Looking towards the next 55 years, there are many areas that we can cooperate further in this globalized world, building on the existing friendly relation between the two countries.

Although it is difficult to predict the future of the international society, we can think together as to what kind of international order should be created; a world where common values such as democracy, human rights, and rule of law prevails, a world where there is no conflict, no nuclear weapons, a world where reformed United Nations works well, a world where environment, economy, poverty eradication are addressed harmoniously and sustainably. The two countries can work together to create such a world.

Regionally, Japan has been assisting the development of Africa through Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) process after the cold war, mainly having provided high-quality infrastructure, as the world’s third largest economy, second largest contributor of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA). Looking into the future, there is much room for cooperation with Botswana, who plays an important role in the Southern African region and is also the headquarters of Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Japan and Botswana both have a history of struggling and living in harmony with the nature. Japan is a disaster-stricken country and has long suffered the consequences of earthquakes, tsunami, typhoon and volcanic eruptions.

Botswana has also suffered drought and sometimes flood, as well. Japan has been leading the international cooperation in the area of disaster prevention and there are many ways that Japan can cooperate with Botswana in this area. COVID-19 can also be considered as a global disaster and that we are now struggling to overcome together.

The occasion was also graced by the Minister for Presidential Affairs, Kabo Morwaeng, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, former Ambassadors that have served in Tokyo, Japan as well as represengtatives of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan Overseas Cooperation Volungteer (JOCV) and JOGMEC.

* H.E. Mr. Hoshiyama Takashi is the Japanese Ambassador to Botswana